"The Rock of the Marne" - James Dietz - 3rd Infantry Division Military Art

The growing popularity of aviation art has brought before the public eye the works of a number of professional aviation artists. Among these one artist stands out for his unique approach to this genre. "The people, settings, and costumes are what make aviation history exciting and romantic to me." It is this feeling that makes James Dietz, and his artwork, so different from that of his contemporaries. Rather than simply illustrate aviation hardware, Dietz prefers to portray human involvement.

After graduation from Art Center College of Design in 1969, Jim began a successful career as a commercial illustrator in Los Angeles. The subject matter varied from automobiles to action scenes to romantic book covers. A steady flow of work from New York enabled the Dietz' to move to Seattle in 1978. It was at this time that he took his first concrete steps toward fulfilling his dream to specialize in aviation art, at that time an almost unheard of genre. Since then, aviation art has played an increasingly large part in his career. Jim Dietz's clients include Boeing, Bell Helicopter, Allison, and Flying Tigers, to name just a few.

Jim has also branched out into the fine arts field with his aviation art. A strong following has developed for his originals and a growing number of limited edition prints have introduced Jim's name to print collectors worldwide. Four of Jim's originals were put on display in the Smithsonian's National Air & Space Museum commemorating the 75th Anniversary of Naval Aviation; one of the paintings was presented by the Navy League to then Secretary of the Navy, John Lehman. A regular contributor to the Air Force Art Program, Jim's work has been featured on the cover of AIR FORCE magazine.

Jim Dietz has been honored with several gold medals from the Los Angeles Society of Illustrators and has won Best in Show in three successive years in the EAA Aviation Art Show. In 1988, at the second American Society of Aviation Artists forum, Jim was awarded the "People's Choice Award" for his painting selected by forum attendees. Major showings of Dietz's originals have recently been held at the EAA Museum and the San Diego Air Museum. His work is found in a number of private and corporate collections.

James Dietz Signed & Numbered Artist Proof Limited Edition "The Rock of the Marne...Tigris and Euphrates"

The 3rd Infantry Division During Operation Iraqi freedom

At 2125 on 19 March 2003, the 3d Infantry Division attacked into Iraq to liberate the Iraqi people and destroy an oppressive regime that supported terrorism and threatened the security of the United States as well as stability around the world. The Division assaulted across a 40-mile front with over 22,000 soldiers and 10,000 vehicles. Marne Soldiers moved more than 500 Km in 72 hours, leaving two Iraqi Divisions and countless paramilitary groups defeated in their wake. In executing this decisive offensive action, the Division moved farther and faster than any U.S. Division in history. In the following 22 days, the 3d Infantry Division defeated another Iraqi Division and elements of four Republican Guard Divisions and four Special Republican Guard Divisions, ultimately seizing Baghdad and destroying the regime. The Division transitioned to Stability and Support Operations and immediately began to establish a safe and secure environment for the Iraqi people to become prosperous and self-governing.

“The Rock of the Marne…Tigris and Euphrates” captures the might and firepower of the 3d Infantry Division in its historic drive to Baghdad and the eventual overthrow of the Hussein Regime. Known as the Marne Division, the 3rd Infantry Division added a new chapter to its rich history by moving farther and faster than any combat operation in history. Key to the success of the Division was the seizure of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, which allowed for the freedom of movement not only for the Division, but also for the entire coalition forces.

Upon seizure of these two key river crossings, the phrase “The Rock of the Marne…Tigris and Euphrates” became a rallying cry throughout the Division and serves as a link between the Division’s rich history and its most recent combat actions.

This limited edition print by artist James Dietz depicts not only the strength of the Division, but also reflects the bravery of the men and women who pushed over 750 kilometers into enemy territory and soundly defeated the Iraqi forces in every engagement of every battle.

The price paid by the fallen Marne Soldiers and the heroism of all who fought under the colors of the 3d Infantry “Marne” Division to liberate an oppressed people and further the security of our nation will never be forgotten.

This 27" by 12-3/8" image size print, 33" by 18-7/8" overall, limited to 250, is signed by the artist and is now ONLY available in the following format:

Artist Proof (limited to 100) - $400

All Limited Edition prints are signed and numbered (S/N) by the artist. Limited Edition prints are restricted to a certain number. For example, if 400 prints are made from an original painting, once they’re gone, that’s it. There is no limit to the number of open edition prints of a particular painting. That’s why Limited Edition prints are more expensive — and more valuable to collectors — than "open" edition. Rare objects are more valuable.

An Artist’s Proof (AP), generally, is the first 5% - 10% of the Limited Edition prints that come off the press. This status is noted on the print. Collectors prefer APs because their value increases even more than a Limited Edition as time goes by.

All Limited Edition artwork is subject to availability at time of order. Although seller strives to remain currrent as to inventory, seller reserves the right to cancel a sale if item is no longer available at time of purchase.